Yan ZhenQing Museum, designed by Serie Architects, displays works from the important calligrapher of the same name who lived in Shandong Province in China during the 8th century. His work introduced an element of vertical rhythm into the calligraphic script, and set up a style that was simpler and bolder. Situated in the beautiful landscape near the city of Linyi, the museum also strikes a bold stance in relation to its landscape. Rather than merge into the landscape the museum is placed on a series of three terraces that rise slightly above the topography. On these plateaus the museum takes on the qualities of a type of traditional Chinese garden known as the scholars’ garden. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The Scholars’ Garden and museums have a profound affinity to one another. On entering, one is transported to an entirely different world. In fact, one could say they both are a microcosm of the world itself. Within the museum, this world is constructed out of histories, or stories that combine various artifacts and images together. Within the scholars garden this new world is created through the composition of views and a design that represents a harmonious order of things. In both the key element is the boundary as it clearly defines this new space, keeping out the everyday world and maintaining this rarefied existence.
